A town council has warned it may not have enough councillors to fill all its seats after the forthcoming elections.
Knutsford Town Council said as many as eight current councillors might not stand for re-election, and in the May 2019 elections they were only able to fill 14 out of the 15 seats available.
The council is keen to promote the opportunity for people to stand for election, and would ideally like to see enough people come forward to mean each seat is contested.
They’ll be hosting a series of information evenings to encourage people to come forward and learn more about what’s involved in being a councillor.
In May 2023, residents will head to the polls to elect 15 town councillors – alongside elections for Cheshire East Council – but this will only happen if enough people put themselves forward for election.
Elections are held every four years.
After the last full elections in May 2019 14 councillors were elected unopposed, and one was later co-opted by the council to ensure a full contingent.
There will be two events next month to help potential candidates decide if being a councillor is right for them.
These will include an overview of what the council can and cannot do, the role of a town councillor and the process of standing for election.
They will also include a Q&A with existing town councillors so residents can hear what the life of a town councillor in Knutsford is like.
Town clerk Adam Keppel-Green said: “Perhaps you aren’t sure what the role of a councillor involves, you want to know how it could work with your other commitments or you’re daunted by the election process – maybe you actually want to be standing for Cheshire East Council.
“These sessions aim to help you decide whether to stand this May.”
Both sessions will take place at 7pm at Knutsford Town Council’s offices on Toft Road.
They’re being held in-person on Thursday 16th February and Monday 20th February, and the second session will also be livestreamed via Facebook.
Questions about the role of being a councillor can be submitted in advance to townclerk@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or asked on the evening.
